Related articles

The lane is designed to prevent cars from driving through a residential area.

But with huge tailbacks on the A38 relief road following the 8.30 am rush-hour crash on September drivers had taken the alternative route.

A lorry travelling south crashed into a car that was leaving the motorway at Junction 25.

The carriageway was shut in both directions between junction 24 for Bridgwater and junction 25 for Taunton.

A man and a woman were pronounced dead at the scene.

A lorry crashed into a car that was exiting the M5 (Image: Paul Silvers / SWNS.com)

A Somerset County Council spokesman said: "On the day of the M5 closure there was an increase in unauthorised vehicles using the Bathpool bus gate, but for context there were nearly 20,000 vehicles using the A38 that day and only 581 vehicles went through the bus gate.

"We would remind drivers to beware of relying on sat-nav systems and always pay attention to signs and road markings.

"Anyone who is unhappy about receiving a fine is able to appeal and any mitigating factors will be considered.

"Drivers can also have their appeal considered by an independent adjudicator at the Traffic Penalty Tribunal if they are still unhappy with our decision."

The FOI showed drivers have been fined £429,000 since the bus lane was opened in October, 2017.